Joshua 24:19

Ye cannot serve. Grammatically there is some difficulty in connecting the “if” of v. 20 with this statement, yet the sense is appropriate and was probably intended. The meaning then would be, “Surely we cannot serve Jehovah if we forsake Him and serve other gods. He is a jealous God, and cannot share with other gods His place or authority.”

On the other hand, the statement of v. 19 was probably intended to have a force of its own. The declaration, “Ye cannot serve the Lord,” may have reference to the moral inability of man of himself to render obedience to the divine commands. Joshua was not merely saying, “You cannot serve Jehovah with other gods.” He was also asserting, “You cannot serve Jehovah at all in your own strength.” In this acknowledgment Joshua, centuries before the apostle Paul, was setting forth the great principle of righteousness by faith. In the attainment of this righteousness both man and God have a part to act. God cannot do anything for us without our consent and cooperation. Likewise, we cannot do anything without the help of God. Faith and works are like the two oars of a boat which we must use equally. It is man’s part to choose the right way and then to set about to accomplish it, in full recognition of his complete dependence on God. It is God’s part to supply the enabling power. He stands ready at all times to fulfill His part of the contract. The question is, Will we fulfill ours? Will we choose to expel the wrong and adopt the right? Will we actively set about to make the objectives of our choice a reality?